There is more life in the sheep trade, with more activity in marts. Factory fit lambs have lifted by €3/head to €5/head, with 46kg to 49kg lambs selling from €96 to €102.

The higher prices come as factory agents compete against a stronger presence from wholesalers and buyers looking to source lambs for the live trade ahead of the next Muslim festival in September.

Despite the higher mart prices for factory lambs, meat processors are holding base quotes at €4.60/kg, which brings the all-in lamb price to €4.80/kg for most farmers.